Blitz

Over the last eighty years, we have heard countless stories of survival during World War II, and you may start to think you’ve heard them all. However, that’s far from the case. Without fail, someone will tell a story that’s entirely new. Most of us have heard of the Blitz, the German bombing campaign against the United Kingdom, which lasted from September 7, 1940, to May 11, 1941. That story has been told many times, but Steve McQueen has found a unique way to portray it, showing us perspectives we haven’t seen before. Trust me when I say, you have never seen the Blitz like this.

Rita (Saoirse Ronan) is a single mother who lives in London with her son George (Elliott Heffernan) and her father Gerald (Paul Weller). But this is far from a good time to be in London, as it’s during the Blitz, and life for Londoners is rough. By day, Rita helps build the equipment needed to protect the United Kingdom; by night, she, George, and her father take shelter underground, hoping to survive the bombing. For George’s safety, Rita eventually decides to send him on a train with other children out of the city to a safer place. But George, determined to stay with his mother, jumps off the train midway and begins his journey back home. Meanwhile, Rita tries to make the best of life, but things in the city only grow more dire. As George faces his own obstacles on his journey home, Rita discovers he hasn’t made it to his destination, and they desperately try to find each other amid the chaos of a city under siege.

Written by McQueen, Blitz is a blend of coming-of-age drama and war story, and while the premise may seem simple at first, it reveals deeper layers as it unfolds. McQueen does a fantastic job of credibly recreating wartime London, which adds a strong emotional pull to the film, making it feel as though you are standing in the middle of London’s fiery turmoil. Although this is a war drama, it’s not seen through the eyes of soldiers. Instead, McQueen shines a light on the civilians of London, giving us insight into how they endured the relentless bombardment.

Blitz is a film that powerfully captures the community’s shared misery and wartime dangers, bringing it to life with remarkable realism. But it’s not just about appearances; despite its technical beauty, this is a film deeply rooted in emotion, set against a historical backdrop. Some elements, however, fall short—Blitz can occasionally feel confusing in its artistic approach, which sometimes diminishes the impact of the terror on screen. As for performances, Ronan once again proves she is among the best actresses of her generation, delivering a controlled yet empathetic performance. Elliott Heffernan also stands out, leaving a strong impression as George.

Ultimately, Blitz is a piece of powerful cinema that, despite its flaws, transports you to one of humanity’s darker moments, showing it through fresh eyes. That alone is reason enough to see it, and while McQueen has perhaps written stronger scripts, visually, this may be his finest work yet.